Things To Do
in Khanewal
Khanewal is a bustling agricultural town in southern Punjab, Pakistan, serving as a key regional hub between Multan and Bahawalpur. Set in the fertile Indus plain, it thrives on farming, markets, and straightforward Punjabi hospitality. The town offers a relaxed pace, traditional markets, and easy access to nearby rural landscapes dotted with cotton fields and irrigation canals.
Visitors can experience authentic everyday life, warm conversations, and the gateway feel to rural Punjab.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic Khanewal Railway Station, an architectural gem that showcases the colonial-era design. After exploring the station, stroll through the bustling streets filled with local vendors offering traditional snacks, perfect for an authentic breakfast experience. Enjoy the vibrant morning atmosphere as you mingle with locals and take in the sounds of the city awakening.
Visit the nearby Shrine of Hazrat Shah Karam, where you can appreciate the intricate tile work and learn about the significance of Sufism in the region. Engage with the local artisans who create beautiful handicrafts and consider purchasing a unique souvenir to remember your visit. As the afternoon sun sets in, enjoy a local lunch at a nearby traditional restaurant, sampling dishes like biryani and nihari.
As evening approaches, take a leisurely walk in the lush gardens of the Khanewal Municipal Park, where you can relax and enjoy the view of the sunset. Families gather here, providing a great opportunity to observe local culture and enjoy the vibrant life of Khanewal. End your day with a visit to a local café, sipping on chai while reflecting on the day’s experiences.
Begin your day by heading to the bustling Khanewal Market, where the colorful stalls and the aroma of fresh produce greet you. Engage with local vendors as you explore the diverse offerings, from spices to handcrafted goods, and don't miss the chance to try some fresh fruit. The market is a great place to soak in the local culture and witness the daily lives of residents.
After your market adventure, enjoy a traditional Pakistani lunch at a nearby eatery, trying out local favorites like chapli kebabs. Post-lunch, continue your exploration by visiting the nearby historical mosque, where you can appreciate its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. Take some time to relax and reflect on the cultural richness of Khanewal.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a local tea house, where you can enjoy a hot cup of chai and engage in conversations with residents. The evening atmosphere is lively, with friends and families gathering to share stories and laughter. Immerse yourself in the local lifestyle and watch the city transition from day to night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🥤Soft drink or bottled water | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🧁Street snacks or small dessert | $0.5-2 |
| 🚗One-way local transport (auto-rickshaw) | $0.3-1 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Accessible for a quick Punjab rural experience
- Friendly local hospitality
- Low-cost travel and accommodation
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
- Hot summers with high heat and humidity
- Longer travel times to major cities for some services
- "Assalam-o-Alaikum" - Hello
- "Shukriya" - Thank you
- "Aap kaise ho?" - How are you?
- "Yeh kitne ka hai?" - How much is this?
- "Mujhe madad chahiye" - I need help
- "Mujhe chai chahiye" - I would like tea
- "Bathroom kahan hai?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Khanewal
Visit one of these nice places.
A bustling hub with platforms and passing trains, offering dynamic street and rail photography opportunities.
Golden hour light over busy lanes, colorful stalls, and early-morning chai vendors.
Wide, open landscapes of cotton fields and irrigation canals ideal for wide-angle and sunset shots.
Food in Khanewal
Khanewal Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A comforting lentil curry served with steamed rice; a staple at many homes and local eateries.
Must-Try!
A winter favorite of spiced spinach and mustard greens paired with cornmeal flatbread.
Spiced chickpeas with tangy chutneys, onions, and sev—popular as a street snack.
A flavorful tomato-based curry cooked with generous spice and tender chicken pieces.
A refreshing yogurt-based drink, sweet or salted, perfect to cool off after a day of sightseeing.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant market lanes offering fruits, vegetables, spices, and everyday snacks; great for witnessing local food culture.
Samosas, pakoras, chaats, and kebabs line the streets near the market after sundown.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respectful clothing is appreciated, especially in religious or traditional settings.
Greet with 'Assalam-o-Alaikum'; accepting tea or food is common and polite.
Ask permission before photographing people or interiors; avoid intrusive shots.
Be mindful near mosques during prayer times; keep noise respectful and avoid disruptions.
Safety
Tipping in Khanewal
Ensure a smooth experience
In sit-down restaurants, tip 5–10% if service isn’t included; for street stalls, rounding up is common.
Cash is the most widely accepted form of payment; some urban shops may take debit cards or mobile wallets like Easypaisa or JazzCash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Very hot and dry; carry water, wear a hat and sunscreen; plan outdoor activities in the cool early mornings or late afternoons.
Humid with periodic showers; lightweight rain gear helps; occasional local flooding is possible in rural areas.
Mild to cool, with cool evenings; light jackets are useful; comfortable for city strolls and village visits.
Pleasant warmth and comfortable humidity; ideal for outdoor wandering and photography.
Khanewal at Night
Hiking in Khanewal
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle trails along irrigation canals and rural lanes; ideal for sunrise photography and nature moments.
Flat, easy trails along canal embankments suitable for a relaxed hike or long walk.
Airports
How to reach Khanewal by plane.
The closest airport to Khanewal, roughly 60–70 miles (100–110 km) away by road; offers connections to major Pakistani cities and some international flights.
Located in Lahore, about 300–350 km from Khanewal; a major hub with national and international flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, speaking Punjabi and Saraiki; primarily rural and agrarian communities.
Small communities including Saraiki-speaking groups and minority Christians or Hindus within the broader region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The region shares Pakistan’s cricket culture, with informal games in streets, fields, and schoolyards.
A traditional Punjabi sport played in villages and local events.
Part of the regional sports heritage; some clubs still host field hockey matches in nearby towns.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Khanewal.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for dals, sabzi, and bread-based dishes; request ghee-free preparations and avoid gravies that include meat stock.